Mediation still underutilised in the workplace

EMPLOYERS ARE failing to embrace mediation to help resolve conflict in the workplace despite the role it can play in helping employers avoid the significant costs associated with such disputes,

EMPLOYERS ARE failing to embrace mediation to help resolve conflict in the workplace despite the role it can play in helping employers avoid the significant costs associated with such disputes, according to the UK’s Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

The report, Workplace mediation: how employers do it, based on a survey of nearly 800 employers, was presented at the CIPD Annual Employment Law Conference, and found that almost six in ten organisations have never used mediation to help manage conflict at work.

Among employers that use mediation, more than 80% report that it helps improve relationships between employees, 71% of respondents believe mediation reduces stress associated with the use of formal disciplinary or grievance procedures and half say that mediation helps avoid the costs of defending employment tribunal claims.

The survey finds that respondents identify informal discussions and mediation as the most effective approaches to resolving conflict at work. Mediation is rated as particularly effective in preventing the breakdown of working relationships, tackling bullying and harassment, as well as in addressing discrimination in the workplace.

Lawyers Weekly is the leading authoritative source of independent
news, analysis and opinion about the business of law in Australia. It
includes expert opinion pieces, analysis of the issues impacting on
the business of firms, broader geographic coverage of events and
issues, regular technology reports as well as regular training &
education reports.